Coin box for coin-operated machines



July 22, 1952 F. B. ANDERSON COIN BOX FOR COIN-OPERATED MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 2. 1949 70 invent I Attorngvz uly 22, 1 52 Filed Feb 2; 1949 .F. B. ANDERSCN COIN BOX FOR COIN-OPERATED MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 inventor:- iflarerzce Beebe An dersun Patented July 22, 1952 COIN BOX FOR COIN-OPERATED MACHINES Florence Beebe Anderson, Chicago, 111., assignor to Miller Meters, Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application February 2, 1949, Serial No. 74,159

8 Claims. I

This invention relates to a coin box for use with a machine in which coins are deposited from time to time. Into such a box the deposited coins find their wa and there accumulate; eventually the coins are emptied by authorized persons. The features of improvement which characterize my invention are concerned with the provision of a coin box compartment within the machine, a door for the compartment having a key-operated lock therefor, a movable closure for the coin box adapted, in one position to afford access thereto, an inlet slot into the box through which may pass the coins that advance thereto from the machine, and a latching mechanism for securing the closure fixedly upon the coin box, operable sequentially by a key and by means in operative relation with the key-operated door look.

A coin box of this description, when operatively positioned within the machine compartment, will be protected by the locked door thereof. When the lock of this door is key-operated to free the door for opening movement, the latching mechanism of the box closure will concurrently be operated to close the inlet slot into the box, but without freeing the closure for opening movement relative to the box. In this condition the box is removed from the machine compartment by an authorized collector who delivers it to a receiving station. Here the proper key is applied to operate the latching mechanism, the closure is then moved to open position for release of the coins from the box, the closure is thereafter replaced upon the box, and the key is again manipulated to operate the latching mechanism whereby the closure is secured fixedly to the box and the inlet slot is uncovered as before. In this condition the empty box is ready once more for placement within a machine compartment behind a locked door and in operative position to receive through its inlet slot the coins that are from time to time deposited in the machine.

The coin box herein to be described is adapted to perform in this special manner. Its construction is light, simple and inexpensive. The latching mechanism consists primarily of two partsa latch plate and a control plate therefor, both carried by the closure upon its under face. The assembly of these parts upon the closure, together with a pair of springs in connection therewith, is a simple operation. The entire latching mechanism is exposed to view so as to be accessible for any adjustment or repair whenever the closure is moved to open position; at all other times it is fully protected by occupying a position 2 wholly within the box to which access is barred by the closure in its closed position.

These several features of advantage, also other objects and purposes, will more fully hereinafter appear from the ensuing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate a suggestive embodiment of my invention in the manner following:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary sectional perspective view of portions of a coin box compartment and door therefor, together with the coin box therein, the bolt attached to the key-operated door lock being shown in looking position relative to its keeper and to the coin box;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary vertical section through the coin box within the enclosing compartment therefor;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the coin box with its closure plate removed, the fixed lid of the box being partly broken away to exhibit the latch keeper which is afiixed to its under face;

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective View showing the under face of the closure plate together with the latch and control plates carried thereby;

Fig. 5 is a view in horizontal section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 2, showing the closure plate applied to the coin box, the'locking mechanism here being operated to a first position in which the closure plate is secured to the box and with both slots in the closure plate and box lid fully opened;

Fig. 6, which is a sectional view the same as Fig. 5, shows the locking mechanism operated to a second position wherein the two slots are fully closed although the closure plate still remains secured to the box;

Fig. '7, which is a sectional view the same as Fig. 5, shows the control plate of the locking mechanism locked to a position of release relative to the latch plate as the result of key operation through a first stage;

Fig. 8, which is a sectional view the same as Fig. 5, shows the latch plate of the locking mechanism at the commencement of its operation in response to operation of the key through a second stage;

Fig. 9, which is a sectional view the same as Fig. 5, shows the latch plate of the locking mechanism in cocked position to which it is advanced and held by the door locking bolt during retention of the coin box in the locked compartment therefor;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view in transverse section, taken on line Ill-H) of Fig. 9, showing the door locking bolt in engaging'position relative to its keeper and to the locking mechanism of the coin box closure;

Fig. 11 is a similar view in which the door looking bolt is shown as operated to its unlocking position; and

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic View showing the locking mechanism slightly modified by the addition thereto of a supplementary control plate requiring for operation thereof a key having an additional ward as per the key shown in side elevation in Fig. 13.

By the mechanism herein provided the coin box, when placed within an enclosing compartment therefor in operative position to receive accumulated coins, is operated initially in response to key operation of the lock with which the compartment door is equipped, and secondly by a special key kept by the auditor or other person who is authorized to open the box, this latter key being eifective to free the closure plate for removal from the box so that the coins therewithin may be readily removed. A box of this character having a latching mechanism designed for operation in the manner stated is fully illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring first to Figs. 1-4, the box 13 made of metal or the like is equipped at its front end with a handle in the form of a bail which is normally swung down. The handle end of the box is outermost when the box is placed within a compartment C provided for its reception within a coin machine. This compartment comprises a floor l6 and enclosing walls I! over which is a roof is through which is an elongated keeper slot is proximate to and parallel with a door 29.

This door which may have a hinged mounting (not shown) bars access to the compartment, when closed. It is equipped with a key-operated cylinder lock 23 to whose rotatable barrel is fixedly secured a locking bolt 24 which is adapted to be swung into and out of the keeper slot 19 whereby to lock or unlock the door 20.

The box 13 is desirably open at its top except for a fixed lid 26 which extends thereacross at its front end. Formed in this lid is an elongated slot 2'! which is adapted to lie directly below the roof slot Is and in register therewith so that the end portion of the locking bolt 24 may enter therein and move lengthwise thereof. To assure. correct relationing of these two slots a stop shoulder 29 may upstand from the compartment floor It to engage the rear end of the box B at the point where it is to remain.

A closure plate P for the top opening of the box is also provided. This may take the form of a plate having a depending marginal flange 3!! along its opposite sides and the rear. A pair of lugs 32 extends forwardly from the flange at the rear in position to enter a pair of slots 33 which are formed in the rear wall of the box; when engaged therewith the closure plate is locked to the box at the rear. At its front the closure plate is provided with a pair of downset, forwardly-extending lugs 35 each adapted to pass under the box lid 26 to engage slidingly with its under face; when so positioned the closure plate is locked to the box at the front. To reach this enclosing position the closure plate P is slid forwardly along the top of the box, its side flanges as extending down along the box sides to serve as a guide in this movement.

A coin inlet slot 35 is provided in the closure plate P, being extended transversely thereof near its rear end. This slot is positioned operatively with respect to the delivery end of a coin chute 31 forming part of the associated coin machine. As coins are permitted to pass through the machine and out through the delivery chute thereof they fall through the inlet slot 36 of the box to accumulate therein. A deflecting tongue 38 may be struck inwardly from the box rear wall in line with coins entering through the inlet slot 36 so as to cause each such coin to be caromed forwardly.

Upon the closure plate is carried a latching mechanism comprising a latch X in the form of an elongated plate and a control plate Y therefor which lies adjacent thereto, the latch plate being positioned adjacent the under face of the closure plate P and in sliding engagement therewith. The latch. plate which extends lengthwise of the closure plate is equipped at its rear end with a T-head 49 having depending lugs 41 and 41a, one at each end. This head is adapted to underlie and completely block the coin inlet slot 36 when the latch plate is in its extreme rearward position. The opposite end of the latch plate is formed with an offset ankle 43 which carries a laterally extending foot 44 having an instep 45 facing the notch which separates the foot from the body 46 of the latch plate. A lug 4'! depends from the plate body at a point opposite the foot.

Two slots are formed through the latch plate, one 5a in its neck region proximate to the head, and the other 51 in its body. Both slots are elongated lengthwise of the latch plate, the neck slot being recessed laterally at 52 at its forward end. The body slot 5| is extended laterally in opposite directions, at 54, so as to provide in effect a T-head therefor. Through the two slots are extended pins 56 and 5'! anchored through holes 56 and 51 in the closure plate P. Each pin is flanged at f in spaced relation to the closure plate and continues for a short distance therebeyond to provide a stud s having a small head at its end. It will be manifest that the pins 56 and 51 provide mountings for the latch plate X such that the latter may execute certain controlled sliding movements a detail description of which will hereinafter be given.

The control plate Y is formed with an elongated transverse slot 65 toward its rear end and with a hole 6| toward its forward end. The pins 53 and 51 extend through the slot 60 and hole 6i, respectively, and their flanges f engage with the under face of the control plate Y to secure it operatively in sliding engagement with the latch plate X. By means of these two pins both the latch and control plates are maintained in assembled relation with each other and with the closure plate P which provides a common mounting therefor. The pin 51 which is inserted through the hole SI of the control plate Y permits only a rocking movement thereof within the limits imposed by the slot 60 wherein the pin 56 is positioned. Such a rocking movement contrasts with that of the latch plate X which is free to slide lengthwise and also at each end to shift laterally within the limits of the lateral recess 52 and the T-slot '54.

At its rear end the control plate is provided with a pair of offset ears 64 and 64a which are oppositely extended to lie proximate the lugs 4| and 41a which depend from the latch plate head 46. In one position (see Fig. 6) the ear 64 lies ahead of the adjacent lug 4| so as to prevent forward movement of the latch plate X. A coiled tension spring 66 interconnects the stud s on the pin 56 with a lug 61 which depends from one side of the control plate. The effect of this spring is to rock the control plate Y toward the right (as viewed in Fig. 6) so that there will normally be interference to forward movement of the latch plate when the latter is in the position indicated. A second coiled tension spring 69 interconnects the same stud 56 with a lug 16 which depends from the latch plate at one side thereof near its forward end, this latter spring being deflected out of line by passing around the stud s of the pin 51 with which it remains con: tinuously engaged. The effect of this spring 69 is to rock the latch plate X to the position of Fig. 6 where the pin 56 lies within the lateral recess 52 of the slot 50.

A key hole 12 is formed through the closure plate P for reception of the stem and ward to of an operating key K (Fig. 1). The key ward is here shown as formed with two steps w and i the former being disposed radially outwardly somewhat further than the latter. These steps are arranged to engage with an edge each of the latch and control plates at points relatively close to the rear end thereof where both may execute lateral movements. The position of the key is to that side of the latch and control plates toward which they are urged by the springs 69 and 66, respectively, so that when the key is operated to engage these two plates they will thereby be retracted against the tension of these springs. The edges of these two plates where engagement with the key ward takes place are specially formed to produce coacting and sequential movements thereof as will now be explained.

With initial rotative movement of the key K in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 9), the innermost step 11 of its ward w engages a shoulder 15 on the control plate Y which is thereupon rocked a first time about its pivot pin 51 to remove its car 64 from interfering position relative to the proximate lug 4| of the latch plate X. In this same rocking movement a side edge 82 and shoulder 82a near the front end of the control plate Y move away from the lug 47 of the latch plate to free the latter for a for ward movement which then takes place. As rotation of the key continues, this same step y of the ward it enters an arcuate recess 1 6 of the control plate to free the latter for rocking back again under the influence of its spring 66. At the end of the recess the Ward step 11 engages a cam nose T3, and displacement thereof by further rotation of the key then produces a second rocking movement of the control plate Y. During this stage of the key operation, the outermost step a: of the ward to is in engagement with the latch plate X. This engagement commences when the control plate Y has first been rocked back, the key ward step a: then coming into engagement with a cam shoulder 80 adjacent the neck of the latch plate X. The initial effect of this engagement is to shift the rearward end of the latch plate laterally so that the pin 56, which theretofore was located in the recess 52 of the slot '56 to prevent endwise movement of the latch plate, is then disposed at the end of the elongated slot to free the latch plate for subsequent movement in a forward direction. At this point the inner step y of the key ward to is disposed within the arcuate recess 16 of the control plate Y, and continued movement of the key will, through the outer ward step a: impart to the latch plate X a forward movement which causes its head 40 to be displaced from a covering position relative to the coin inlet slot 36 of the closure plate P (see (Fig. 5). The foot 44 during this same movement 6 is also moved away from a position of partial coverage relative to the slot 2! of the box lid 26. At the conclusion of the latch plate movement to this position the pin 51 will occupy a position centrally of the T-head 54 of the elongated slot 5!.

At this point in the operation of the key, its inner ward step 11 comes into engagement with the cam nose 18 of the control plate Y. Continued movement of this inner step 11 requires that the control plate be rocked for a second time, as heretofore noted. In doing this, a finger =33 at the front end of the control plate which lies adjacent the lug 41 of the latch plate advances sidewise thereagainst to displace the forward end of the latch plate laterally whereby to cause the pin 5? to enter into one end of the T-slot 54- the end which is toward the key. The effect of the latch plate movements up to this point is to uncover fully the closure slot 36 and uncover partially the boxlid slot 27, and also to swing the forward end of the latch plate laterally where it is held by the spring 69.

A keeper 84 in the form of a pin is anchored to the lid 26 from which it depends into the box B (see Fig. 3). This keeper is located opposite the ankle 43 in position to be engaged by the instep 45 of the foot 44 when the forward end of the latch plate X is shifted laterally as just described (see Fig. 5). In this position of the parts, the closure plate P is locked irremovably to the box with the coin inlet slot 36 fully exposed. In this operative condition the box is maintained in the locked compartment C until the collector arrives to apply his key to operate the lock 23 and open the door 20.

Operation of the lock 23 produces a concomitant oscillatin movement of the bolt 24 into the slot 2'! from the position of Fig. 11 to that of Fig. 10. In the first of these positions the closure P is looked upon the box (see Fig. 5), but in the second position when the box is locked within the compartment (Fig. 10), the latch plate X stands cocked ready to jump rearwardly (Fig. 9) when the locking bolt 24 is rotated back to the position of Fig. 11 out of its keeper I 9. When the bolt 24 is rotated to free the forward end of the latch plate X for lateral shifting, the slot 5! is aligned with the pin 51 and the foot 44 is disengaged from the keeper 84; the latch plate X thereupon executes a rearward endwise movement which takes place quickly in response to tension of the spring 69. The latch plate X is then in the position of Fig. 6 wherein both slots 2'! and 36 are fully closed. Also, when in this position, the latch plate head 40 is in engagement with the inner face of the rear wall of the box 13, thereby to prevent the closure plate P from being slid rearwardly as a step preliminary to removal of the closure from the box. In this locked condition (Fig. 6) the coin box is taken out of the compartment and delivered to a receiving station intact and with the contained coins fully protected during the entire transfer operation.

Removal of the coins requires that a proper key K be then inserted through the key hole 72 and be operated as hereinbefore described. In a first position (see Fig. 7), the control plate is rocked to free the latch plate X for a forward movement which follows when the outer step as of the key ward in advances against the cam shoulder .89 and then comes to rest against the cam nose 16 of the control plate. At this point the closure is free to be slid 01f the box so that the coins may be emptied therefrom. Following this operation, the receiving station attendant replaces the closure plate and the key K is operated to engage the cam nose 18; a further turning of the key then takes place to produce a second rocking of the control plate, whereupon the instep 45 of its foot engages the keeper pin as (see Fig. to lock the closure securely upon the box. The key K is then withdrawn and the box, complete with closure locked thereto, is ready to be placed in the compartment 0 of a selected coin machine to receive coins deposited therein. When so positioned, the door 20 to the compartment is closed and its lock 23 is operated to swing the bolt 24 into the keeper slot [9 thereby to secure the door in its closed position. While in this locked position the bolt 24 engages the ankle d3 of the latch plate X (see Fig. 9) to hold it cocked ready for movement once the door lock is again operated to open position. This condition remains unchanged until the collector again opens the door 26 to remove the box B whereupon its two slots 27 and 36 are automatically closed, as hereinbefore described.

Should any attempt be made to release the closure from the box when the latter has been removed from the compartment, this would undoubtedly involve the use of a prying implement in an effort to force the latching mechanism to a position of release. Assuming that manipulation through either of the slots 21 or 36 could produce some motion-transmitting engagement with the latch plate X, then certain secondary locking means becomes effective to resist such an attempt at forcing. Should the control plate Y be rocked suificiently to remove its car 64 from interfering position relative to the latch plate lug M, then the companion ear 64a will be moved over to stand ahead of the opposite lug 4m. These two ears are ofiset slightly so as to act as an escapement, thereby taking up alternately blocking positions in case any such forced endwise movement of the latch plate were otherwise possible.

The diagrammatic showing in Fig. 12 includes a latch plate X (dash lines) and a control plate Y (dotted lines), the parts being positioned the same as in Fig. 6; it includes also a second control plate Z (full lines) whereby to require use of a key K having a ward to with three steps as suggested in Fig. 13. The parts of the latch and control plates X and Y which correspond to those hereinbefore described are designated by like numerals except that their value is raised by 100 in each case.

The second control plate Z is pivotally mounted on the pin I51 for rocking movement between limits imposed by the ends of an arcuate slot I96 wherein the pin I55 is positioned. This control plate is provided at its rearward end with a laterally extending ear I92 which tends to stand adjacent the lug Ml, depending from the latch plates X, in response to tension exerted upon the control plate Z by a spring I93. When so positioned the latch plate is prevented from advancing forwardly. The key K is equipped with one step which engages the control plate Z to produce a rocking movement thereof concurrently with a like movement of the control plate Y, whereby to free the latch plate X for a forward sliding movement to the position of Fig. 9 in response to operation of the key. In all other respects this alternative construction may be the same as that already described.

In summary, the coin box of this invention is featured by a closure having a latching mechanism that is operable through a first stage of its cycle by the lock of the door for the enclosing compartment wherein the box is placed; and through a succeeding stage of its cycle by a key which can be fitted to the latching mechanism only when the box is removed from the compartment. The first stage of operation closes the coin inlet slot into the box whereas the second stage of operation frees the closure to afford access to the box. While the coin box B remains locked in the compartment, the latch plate is positioned across one end of the lid slot (see Fig. 9) in cocked position ready to shift endwise whenever the lock 23 is key-operated preliminary to opening of the door 20 and removal of the box. Thereupon (see Fig. 6) the latch plate is actuated by its spring 59 to take up a new position in which both slots 21 and 3B are fully closed.

I claim:

1. A coin machine having, in combination, a coin delivery chute, a coin box having a coin inlet slot, a compartment for receiving the coin box with its inlet slot opposite the coin delivery chute, a door for closing the compartment, a keyoperated lock for the door including a keeper and a bolt movable into and out of locking position relative thereto, a closure for the box movable With respect thereto to open or close access to the interior thereof, a keeper on the box, keyoperated latching mechanism movably carried by the closure upon the inner face thereof and within the box and operable through two stages for engaging first with the keeper and later with the box for locking the closure relative thereto and accessible for operation only when the box is removed from the compartment, and means forming part of the latching mechanism engageable by the door locking bolt when the latter is moved out of locking position to operate the latching mechanism through the first stage of its cycle.

2. An open-top coin box covered at one end by a fixed lid having a locking bolt-keeper slot therethrough, a closure plate arranged to cover the open top of the box, a keeper on the box and a coacting latching mechanism carried by the closure plate, arranged for interengagement to lock the closure plate in a covering position upon the box top, there being a coin-inlet slot formed through the closure plate, the latch mechanism comprising a latch plate engageable with the keeper and movable to open or close both slots concurrently, and key-operated means for operating the latch plate to open both slots concurrently, the coin box being locked in a compartment therefor when the keeper slot in its lid is engaged by a coacting bolt.

3. An open-top coin box covered at one end by a fixed lid having a locking bolt-keeper slot therethrough, a closure plate arranged to cover the open top of the box, a keeper on the box and a coacting latching mechanism carried by the closure plate, arranged for interengagement to lock the closure plate in a covering position upon the box top, there being a coin inlet slot formed through the closure plate, the latch mechanism comprising a latch plate engageable with the keeper in one position wherein both slots are open and engageable with the box in a second position wherein both slots are closed, the latch plate operating in both positions to lock the closure plate in covering position upon the box top, and key-operated means for operating the latch plate to open both slots concurrently, the coin box being locked in a compartment therefor when the keeper slot in its lid is engaged by a coacting locking bolt.

4. An open-top coin box covered at one end by a fixed lid having a locking bolt-keeper slot therethrough, a closure plate arranged to cover the open top of the box, a keeper on the box and a coacting latching mechanism carried by the closure plate, arranged for interengagement to lock the closure plate in a covering position upon the box top, there being a coin inlet slot formed through the closure plate, the latching mechanism comprising a latch plate engageable with the keeper and movable to open or close both slots concurrently, a control plate movable between certain positions in one of which it is effective to prevent movement or" the latch plate to open either slot, and key-operated means for operating the control and latch plates to open both slots concurrently, the coin box being locked in a compartment therefor wh n the keeper slot in its lid is engaged by a coacting locking bolt.

5. An open-top coin box covered at one end by a fixed lid having a locking bolt-keeper slot therethrough, a closure plate arranged to cover the open top of the box, a keeper on the box and a coacting latching mechanism carried by the closure plate, arranged for interengagement to lock the closure plate in a covering position upon the box top, there being a coin inlet slot formed through the closure plate, the latch mechanism comprising a spring-actuated latch plate movable to close both slots concurrently or fully open one slot and partly open the other slot concurrently, and means restraining the latch plate from moving to said slot-closing position until after the latch plate has first been moved to a position in which both slots are fully opened, the

coin box being locked in a compartment therefor when the keeper slot in its lid is engaged by a coacting locking bolt.

6. A coin machine having, in combination, a compartment into which is extended a coin delivery chute, an open-top coin box receivable within the compartment in a predetermined position therein, a slotted closure for the box top provided with an inlet opening opposite the de livery chute for receiving therefrom coins emerging from the chute, a door for the compartment provided with a key-operated look, a locking bolt for the door carried by the look, a compartment keeper engageable by the bolt to lock the door in closed position, and key-operated latching mechanism carried by the closure upon the inner face thereof and within the box for locking and unlocking the closure relative thereto, the doorlocking bolt being movable through the closure slot to operate the latching mechanism through an initial stage of its cycle preliminary to further operation thereof by the key therefor.

7. A coin machine having, in combination, a compartment into which is extended a coin delivery chute, an open-top coin box receivable within the compartment in a predetermined position therein, a slotted closure for the box top provided with an inlet opening opposite the delivery chute for receiving therefrom coins emerging from the chute, a door for the compartment provided with a key-operated look, a looking bolt for the door carried by the lock, and key-operated latching mechanism carried by the J closure upon the inner face thereof and within the box for locking and unlocking the closure relative thereto, the door-locking bolt being movable through the closure slot to operate the latching mechanism through an initial stage of its cycle preliminary to further operation thereof by the key therefor.

3. For use with a coin machine having a coin delivery chute opening into a compartment to which is fitted a door equipped with a key-operated lock, an open top coin box receivable within the compartment in a predetermined position therein, a closure for the box top having a keyhole and provided with an inlet opening opposite the delivery chute for receiving therefrom coins emerging from the chute, a movable latching mechanism carried by the closure upon the inner face thereof and within the box, the latching mechanism comprising means to open and close the inlet opening into the box and to lock and unlock the closure relative thereto, and a bolt carried by the key-operated lock of the door extending therefrom through a slot in the box for engagement with the latching mechanism to operate the same through a part of its movement, the latching mechanism being operable through the remainder of its movement in response to operation of a key inserted through the keyhole in the closure.

FLORENCE BEEBE ANDERSON.

REFERENQES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 344,126 Meaker June 22, 1886 1,104,042 Forsberg July 21, 1914 1,121,063 Beck Dec. 15, 1914 1,964,528 Mills June 26, 1934 2,096,476 Veale Oct. 19, 1937 2,371,114 von Stoeser Mar. 6, 1945 

